There is absolutely no way that there is more than ONE God! How do we know which God is the real one? Just look at the facts (Creation, History, Science), when you don't twist the TRUTH there no comparison!
Jesus Christ... Think about Him!
Saturday, November 13, 2010
Only ONE God!
Maybe God established the nations and it's leaders to reveal something. When more than ONE tries to be in charge, it only leads to chaos!
Monday, November 1, 2010
Capitalizing in the Red Zone
The red zone on the football field is the area between the 20 yard line and the end-zone at both ends of the field. How well a team plays in this area of the field often determines the outcome of the game. To win, teams must offensively and defensively play well in the red zone.
A few weeks back the Missouri Tigers upset the Oklahoma Sooner’s. During the game, the Sooner’s were in the red zone one time with seven points to show for it. The Tigers on the other hand were in the red zone three times with thirteen points to show for it. The greater the performance in the red zone, the better the chance for success on the score board!
As men we all have certain marked boundaries in our lives. These boundaries and how we play life in these areas are crucial to whether or not we experience victory or defeat. What are the marked red zone area's in our lives? For me, it is the beginning and the ending of each day.
When I spend quality time with Jesus at both ends of the day, the red zone, I win! Spending time with Jesus changes me! When I begin my day with Him, He fuels me. When I end my day with Him, He calms me and gives me peace. So for me, playing strong in the red zone of my life is equal to spending quality time with Jesus. To break it down, when I spend time with Jesus, that means I am reading the Word (Bible), and spending time in prayer. When I capitalize in these disciplines at both ends of the day, I am confident that I will be at the top of my game.
Are you having a tough day? Is life right now a struggle? Is there a lack of peace, confidence, and faith? Do you seem to have little to no direction? If this is you, let me ask the question. How are you playing in the red zone?
Likewise, if things are going well and you feel like you’re winning in life, DO NOT neglect your red zone performance. If you do, sooner or later, it will come back to bite you!
To win, you must play well in the red zone! -LiveChosen
A few weeks back the Missouri Tigers upset the Oklahoma Sooner’s. During the game, the Sooner’s were in the red zone one time with seven points to show for it. The Tigers on the other hand were in the red zone three times with thirteen points to show for it. The greater the performance in the red zone, the better the chance for success on the score board!
As men we all have certain marked boundaries in our lives. These boundaries and how we play life in these areas are crucial to whether or not we experience victory or defeat. What are the marked red zone area's in our lives? For me, it is the beginning and the ending of each day.
When I spend quality time with Jesus at both ends of the day, the red zone, I win! Spending time with Jesus changes me! When I begin my day with Him, He fuels me. When I end my day with Him, He calms me and gives me peace. So for me, playing strong in the red zone of my life is equal to spending quality time with Jesus. To break it down, when I spend time with Jesus, that means I am reading the Word (Bible), and spending time in prayer. When I capitalize in these disciplines at both ends of the day, I am confident that I will be at the top of my game.
Are you having a tough day? Is life right now a struggle? Is there a lack of peace, confidence, and faith? Do you seem to have little to no direction? If this is you, let me ask the question. How are you playing in the red zone?
Likewise, if things are going well and you feel like you’re winning in life, DO NOT neglect your red zone performance. If you do, sooner or later, it will come back to bite you!
To win, you must play well in the red zone! -LiveChosen
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Time…Use It or Lose It
For those of us working with students, we know that we only have them in our ministries for a very short period of time. How we make use of that time is vital. Do we just entertain them or do we disciple them? Time is such a sensitive issue. Hopefully, we strive to be intentional with our time, which allows us to be as effective as possible.
Effectively living, really isn't about tomorrow, it is about today. None of us know for sure if we'll be around tomorrow; but I am confident that I am today. For this very reason, we must spend the bulk of our time and energy on living today with excellence. This is why procrastination is so dangerous and setting priorities is so vital.
Everyone at some point and time is asked, "What would you do today if you knew you'd be gone tomorrow?” When that question is answered, we should be able to establish what our priorities are. Some things may not seem quite so important if we only had one day left to live. For example, cleaning out the garage may be a priority, however, if we knew we'd be departing this life tomorrow, there is a pretty good chance that the garage would no longer be a priority.
So, my questions to you is, are you making the most of your time? Are you being intentional and setting priorities within your family and ministries? Do you know how you plan to use the time you have been given today for building God’s Kingdom?
In my opinion, this is one of the issues many youth pastors and leaders struggle with. Many youth pastors and leaders have vision and know what they believe God wants to accomplish in their ministries, yet there is a struggle to put it into play. Often times the struggle can be addressed by developing an intentional mindset and learning to manage time effectively.
Want to up your effectiveness everyday?
Be intentional with your bottom-line priorities!
Live Chosen!
Monday, August 16, 2010
No need to beg, just receive! God is Faithful!
A week or so ago, my family and I were in Detroit on a business trip. We had just eaten lunch downtown at a well-known pizza joint. It was very good!
We ordered two small pizza’s to feed the four of us hoping it would be enough. When the pizza’s arrived needless to say we could have just ordered one.
After enjoying the pizza and our time together, we had the leftovers boxed and decided to head back towards the hotel. It was mid afternoon and it was really hot and humid. We were only about five blocks from our hotel and were looking forward to the walk back.
As in many bigger cities, they seemed to be quite a few homeless around. We had been in town for nearly a week, and although we had seen many around, we had not been approached for anything the whole week.
On the way back to our hotel, I noticed across the street a man who was going through the garbage cans. He would look into each garbage can and then slam the lids down. They must had just been emptied. You could tell the man was becoming very upset.
As we continued to walk he took a course to cross the street. It was very evident that our courses would soon meet. As he entered onto the sidewalk from the street he look me right in the eyes and began to speak. I stopped him, as I knew what he was about to ask.
I asked the man, “Are you hungry?”
“Yes,” the man answered.
“Would you like the rest of our pizza? It is almost a full one!” I said.
He said yes and proceeded to ask if we could afford some money to buy him a drink as well. We gave him some money and prayed with him and he was on his way.
What stood out to me the most from this interaction was the look on his face when I stopped him from having to ask us for food. He didn’t need to ask, we could clearly see his need. It seemed to be such a relief to him that we recognized his need and that he did not need to beg.
I thought about Jesus and His faithfulness to meet our needs so faithfully. Although, we are encouraged to ask for our needs, it is a fact that they are often met before we ever get to the place of asking. God is such an awesome God. He see’s our needs and meets them every time.
Like Darnell, what a relief to know that God sees and know our needs. It is such a relief to know that God does not want his children to be beggars, but rather just receivers. God loves to give!
I will never forget the relief and gratitude on Darnell’s face that day. That day he did not have to beg, just receive. He was thankful. Are we thankful for God’s faithfulness to meet our needs? I know I have taken it for granted too many times.
Take a moment today and thank God for His faithful giving. Think about the many times that you did not need to beg but only receive from the goodness of our Great God!
Thursday, July 15, 2010
God is Awesome...Camp Is Off The Charts!
We are in the middle of our camp season and finishing up Sr. High camp. First off numbers were up for us this year, we had a full camp! Praise God! Spiritually, God has rocked these kids in every service. Their hunger and passion for God has blown me away! Last night we showed the movie "To Save A Life" an incredible movie I highly recommend! It has a very powerful message and is extremely well done!
After the movie we had a 100% response from the students to take a stand for Christ, in their schools and communities. Then worship broke loose, several students were baptised in the Holy Spirit with no prompting, it just happened. The worship band Pneuma (incredible!), starting singing "Let It Rain." After singing it through several times, the team stopped playing and for the next half hour the students would not stop singing "Let It Rain."
This morning we challenged the kids to follow through on their stand from the previous evening and to become Campus Missionaries. We had 90 our of 185 students commit to becoming CM's in the SNED! I praise God for all He is doing in all of our camps. It definitely feels like something is about to break! I have junior high camp next week and can't wait to see what God has planned!
We also broke off in the morning with myself and our speaker taking the guys, and Tina and a few of our female ladies taking the girls. We addressed gender related issues. Wow, these students opened up and laid it all out there. It was such an awesome time of cleansing, challenge and building accountability. Our speaker did a challenge to the guys this morning called "Man UP" that was off the charts!
After the movie we had a 100% response from the students to take a stand for Christ, in their schools and communities. Then worship broke loose, several students were baptised in the Holy Spirit with no prompting, it just happened. The worship band Pneuma (incredible!), starting singing "Let It Rain." After singing it through several times, the team stopped playing and for the next half hour the students would not stop singing "Let It Rain."
This morning we challenged the kids to follow through on their stand from the previous evening and to become Campus Missionaries. We had 90 our of 185 students commit to becoming CM's in the SNED! I praise God for all He is doing in all of our camps. It definitely feels like something is about to break! I have junior high camp next week and can't wait to see what God has planned!
We also broke off in the morning with myself and our speaker taking the guys, and Tina and a few of our female ladies taking the girls. We addressed gender related issues. Wow, these students opened up and laid it all out there. It was such an awesome time of cleansing, challenge and building accountability. Our speaker did a challenge to the guys this morning called "Man UP" that was off the charts!
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Day One Monday Evening - Sr. High Camp 2010
In the first evening service, we experienced some technical difficulties with the camps video projector setting keeping us outside the chapel. That didn't throw off our students who were more than ready to kick off the first service.
We ended up having an outdoor prayer rally. Many of the students lead out in prayer and Angela Miller lead the whole group in a worship song. When the doors finally opened, the students charged in and never looked back.
Worship was off the charts. Students praising, singing, jumping, and with hands raised, expressing their love towards God.
Pastor Paul Conway, confronted the image crises that so many Christians seem to face. We live in a world that tries to mold us into its own image, when we know the Word of God declares that we have been made in the image of God!
Students are especially vulnerable to image or identity deception because they are still in the process of discovering who they are. Therefore, it is vitally important that we, as Christians, have a solid understanding that our identity is in Christ and nothing less!
During the altar times, the majority of the students came forward to seek the Lord and to draw closer to Him. The spiritual tenor at this point was explosive, as we ended the service by breaking out in a few more songs of praise and adoration.
Ending our evening we had a time of connecting with friends at the snack shack. I never have seen so many students down so much junk food so quickly. OK...maybe I have on a few occasions!
Right before sending them off to nightie-night, we went to Night Craze. This was an outdoor, under the lights team game time. I will say nothing more than it was shear pandemonium.
And so ended DAY ONE! LiveChosen
We ended up having an outdoor prayer rally. Many of the students lead out in prayer and Angela Miller lead the whole group in a worship song. When the doors finally opened, the students charged in and never looked back.
Worship was off the charts. Students praising, singing, jumping, and with hands raised, expressing their love towards God.
Pastor Paul Conway, confronted the image crises that so many Christians seem to face. We live in a world that tries to mold us into its own image, when we know the Word of God declares that we have been made in the image of God!
Students are especially vulnerable to image or identity deception because they are still in the process of discovering who they are. Therefore, it is vitally important that we, as Christians, have a solid understanding that our identity is in Christ and nothing less!
During the altar times, the majority of the students came forward to seek the Lord and to draw closer to Him. The spiritual tenor at this point was explosive, as we ended the service by breaking out in a few more songs of praise and adoration.
Ending our evening we had a time of connecting with friends at the snack shack. I never have seen so many students down so much junk food so quickly. OK...maybe I have on a few occasions!
Right before sending them off to nightie-night, we went to Night Craze. This was an outdoor, under the lights team game time. I will say nothing more than it was shear pandemonium.
And so ended DAY ONE! LiveChosen
Thursday, July 8, 2010
Just That Quickly!
It seems like we just arrived and were kicking off the week of camp. Now, we are preparing for packing up and sending everyone back home. This week went unbelievably fast! It was truly the blink of an eye!
My son and I love roller coasters! Last year he and I went to Six Flags. We couldn't wait to ride what used to be called Superman (they renamed it and I can't remember what they call it now). We stood in line forever! Tytus must have chickened out five or six times. I kept working at encouraging him and keeping him focused. After all the work of standing in line forever and waiting we finally reached the boarding stage. We got onto the ride and waited with great anticipation for the ride to launch.
All of a sudden, like an explosion, we took off. Less than two minutes later we are pulling back into the unloading bay. All of that work of waiting and anticipating for the ride and it was over just that quickly! Amazing!
Time truly goes by so quickly. It seems like just last year I was a camper. Reality reveals however, that I have been apart of leading and organizing camps for the last nineteen years. Somehow, I have gone from my teens to my forty's in less than two minutes...just that quickly!
Here's what I have learned though; it is important to make the most of every minute of every day. The Scriptures says in Colossians 4:5 to "...make the most of every opportunity." We can't change the fact that the preparation often takes so long and the "ride" itself passes by so quickly.
However, if we skipped all the preparation and work, the "ride" may not have been appreciated as much or have been as effective. Each season and moment of time has value.
I know that after such an awesome of an event like three weeks of camp, I often have to fight feelings of depression and loneliness. Think about it, several weeks of having a few hundred people around all the time, days and nights filled with activity, then all of a sudden it is over and everyone leaves. Trust me, it can feel lonely.
I choose though not to focus on the feelings. I rather enjoy reflecting back on all the great moments and things that God did through that period of time. In that I am encouraged and joy overtakes loneliness.
Which ever season you may find your self in, a time of preparation and work, the ride itself, or the post ride, appreciate the moment. Let's make the most of every moment, because our lives do pass by...just that quickly! LiveChosen!
My son and I love roller coasters! Last year he and I went to Six Flags. We couldn't wait to ride what used to be called Superman (they renamed it and I can't remember what they call it now). We stood in line forever! Tytus must have chickened out five or six times. I kept working at encouraging him and keeping him focused. After all the work of standing in line forever and waiting we finally reached the boarding stage. We got onto the ride and waited with great anticipation for the ride to launch.
All of a sudden, like an explosion, we took off. Less than two minutes later we are pulling back into the unloading bay. All of that work of waiting and anticipating for the ride and it was over just that quickly! Amazing!
Time truly goes by so quickly. It seems like just last year I was a camper. Reality reveals however, that I have been apart of leading and organizing camps for the last nineteen years. Somehow, I have gone from my teens to my forty's in less than two minutes...just that quickly!
Here's what I have learned though; it is important to make the most of every minute of every day. The Scriptures says in Colossians 4:5 to "...make the most of every opportunity." We can't change the fact that the preparation often takes so long and the "ride" itself passes by so quickly.
However, if we skipped all the preparation and work, the "ride" may not have been appreciated as much or have been as effective. Each season and moment of time has value.
I know that after such an awesome of an event like three weeks of camp, I often have to fight feelings of depression and loneliness. Think about it, several weeks of having a few hundred people around all the time, days and nights filled with activity, then all of a sudden it is over and everyone leaves. Trust me, it can feel lonely.
I choose though not to focus on the feelings. I rather enjoy reflecting back on all the great moments and things that God did through that period of time. In that I am encouraged and joy overtakes loneliness.
Which ever season you may find your self in, a time of preparation and work, the ride itself, or the post ride, appreciate the moment. Let's make the most of every moment, because our lives do pass by...just that quickly! LiveChosen!
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
Pressing Through Uncomfortable Times!
If you live in the Northeast, you know it has been very hot and uncomfortable this week. In some places of the states these temperatures may be normal, but not here. We are not use to this type of heat.
I have been extremely impressed by the attitudes of our students and camp staff this week. It has been very uncomfortable! Even at night, it has not cooled down. In spite of it all I have not heard anyone complain and everyone is having a blast. Not one person is allowing the heat to rob them of their fun.
Don't misunderstand me, the heat is definitely taking its toll physically in various ways. However, the attitude to endure and have fun anyway is beating the heat!
I am learning a lot about the importance of our attitudes towards negative things. When we face trials and hardships we have a choice in how we are going to handle those times and situations. We can let those things beat us down and succumb to complaining and a bad attitude, which leads to misery, or we can stay positive. We can choose to rejoice!
Isn't that what the James instructs us to do in the Scriptures? James 1:2-4 "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything."
Pressing through uncomfortable times. These kids can teach us a lot. Challenge of the day...Choose your attitude!
I have been extremely impressed by the attitudes of our students and camp staff this week. It has been very uncomfortable! Even at night, it has not cooled down. In spite of it all I have not heard anyone complain and everyone is having a blast. Not one person is allowing the heat to rob them of their fun.
Don't misunderstand me, the heat is definitely taking its toll physically in various ways. However, the attitude to endure and have fun anyway is beating the heat!
I am learning a lot about the importance of our attitudes towards negative things. When we face trials and hardships we have a choice in how we are going to handle those times and situations. We can let those things beat us down and succumb to complaining and a bad attitude, which leads to misery, or we can stay positive. We can choose to rejoice!
Isn't that what the James instructs us to do in the Scriptures? James 1:2-4 "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything."
Pressing through uncomfortable times. These kids can teach us a lot. Challenge of the day...Choose your attitude!
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Carefree Days
We are in day two of our Kid's Camp, and just returned from Stinsen Lake. We had so much fun! How could you not? We had the blob, a water trampoline, canoes, a beach, snack shack, and all kinds of fun in the sun surrounding us.
As I was observing the whole scene, I noticed that no one seem to care much about anything other than what was going on right there. No one was complaining or talking about their issues at home. No one seemed to have a bad attitude. It didn't really matter what was going on in the world and we had no means by which to find out. It was just 100% carefree living!
What a fun afternoon. It reminded me of the importance of vacations and breaking free from our daily routines. Living carefree...if it could only be this way everyday! But hey, I'll take these days as they come, and be thankful! Jesus Himself stressed the importance of becoming like a child. Let me encourage you to find time, even if it is only for a couple hours, and practice becoming like a child. Build into your schedule some time for carefree living!
As I was observing the whole scene, I noticed that no one seem to care much about anything other than what was going on right there. No one was complaining or talking about their issues at home. No one seemed to have a bad attitude. It didn't really matter what was going on in the world and we had no means by which to find out. It was just 100% carefree living!
What a fun afternoon. It reminded me of the importance of vacations and breaking free from our daily routines. Living carefree...if it could only be this way everyday! But hey, I'll take these days as they come, and be thankful! Jesus Himself stressed the importance of becoming like a child. Let me encourage you to find time, even if it is only for a couple hours, and practice becoming like a child. Build into your schedule some time for carefree living!
Monday, July 5, 2010
Kid's Camp Kick Off
It is official! S. New England Ministry Networks Kid's Camp is off and running. I love kid's camp! These high energy, fun loving, carefree, gigglers are always a great way to kick off our Summer Camp season.
These kid's always come prepared for FUN, Friendship, and of course, a pursuit of God. If you have never experienced the power of a kid's camp worship service then you have missed one of the shear joys of life. Watching these youngster sing, raise their hands, and use their energy to love on their God is just the best.
We will do our very best this week to use all available means of media to keep you fully updated on what is happening in the lives of your children this week at camp. Go to www.snedyouth.com for all the fanfare.
Please, keep these kid's in your prayers this week! Just beyond all the fun and excitement, are the tender hearts of kid's who need to know the powerful love of God in a life changing way. Your prayers are one of the ways that you can participate with us this week at camp.
Our theme for all of our camps this year is "This Changes Everything!" We believe that as these kids encounter Christs love, this could be a course setting moment for their lives. I was powerfully touched by God growing up in kid's camps. Called into ministry and baptized in the Holy Spirit. Camps are powerful!
These kid's always come prepared for FUN, Friendship, and of course, a pursuit of God. If you have never experienced the power of a kid's camp worship service then you have missed one of the shear joys of life. Watching these youngster sing, raise their hands, and use their energy to love on their God is just the best.
We will do our very best this week to use all available means of media to keep you fully updated on what is happening in the lives of your children this week at camp. Go to www.snedyouth.com for all the fanfare.
Please, keep these kid's in your prayers this week! Just beyond all the fun and excitement, are the tender hearts of kid's who need to know the powerful love of God in a life changing way. Your prayers are one of the ways that you can participate with us this week at camp.
Our theme for all of our camps this year is "This Changes Everything!" We believe that as these kids encounter Christs love, this could be a course setting moment for their lives. I was powerfully touched by God growing up in kid's camps. Called into ministry and baptized in the Holy Spirit. Camps are powerful!
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
The Power of a Network
When I think of the early church and the mission of the Apostles, I am reminded of the power of the early church. From the very beginning, the early church was utilizing the power of a network.
Working together, to spread the gospel, they met in homes, broke bread together, encouraged and prayed for each other, sold their belongings and gave to those in need. They may not have called it a ministry network, but that is exactly what it was. They could not have succeeded with out the power of the Holy Spirit and the working together in unity for the sake of the mission.
The thing I like most about our new focus on the word network, is the shift from a geographical description to that of relationship. When you think of a network you have to think of others. Bottom line, it is all about relationships and working together to accomplish something bigger than we ever could on our own.
Few churches seem to make a big impact outside of their community. However, together, church by church and community by community a network focus will allow us to impact region.
When I think of youth ministry and infiltrating the school campus’ of S. New England, we must work together. The task and mission is way too big for any one youth pastor or youth ministry. Though all of us entered our ministry with a vision to win the world, the reality is that if we run solo it will be a slow go!
When I look back over my 20 years of ministry focus, it is so evident that those events that held a great lasting impact, involved networking with others. As a matter of fact, it is one of the reasons why I try to focus everyday on building my network. I know that I am only as strong as my network. Thank you Lord for those you have placed in my network , who challenge and strengthen me, run with me, pray with me and love me!
Thank you Lord for the Power of a Network!
Working together, to spread the gospel, they met in homes, broke bread together, encouraged and prayed for each other, sold their belongings and gave to those in need. They may not have called it a ministry network, but that is exactly what it was. They could not have succeeded with out the power of the Holy Spirit and the working together in unity for the sake of the mission.
The thing I like most about our new focus on the word network, is the shift from a geographical description to that of relationship. When you think of a network you have to think of others. Bottom line, it is all about relationships and working together to accomplish something bigger than we ever could on our own.
Few churches seem to make a big impact outside of their community. However, together, church by church and community by community a network focus will allow us to impact region.
When I think of youth ministry and infiltrating the school campus’ of S. New England, we must work together. The task and mission is way too big for any one youth pastor or youth ministry. Though all of us entered our ministry with a vision to win the world, the reality is that if we run solo it will be a slow go!
When I look back over my 20 years of ministry focus, it is so evident that those events that held a great lasting impact, involved networking with others. As a matter of fact, it is one of the reasons why I try to focus everyday on building my network. I know that I am only as strong as my network. Thank you Lord for those you have placed in my network , who challenge and strengthen me, run with me, pray with me and love me!
Thank you Lord for the Power of a Network!
Sunday, June 6, 2010
One Week Away From Normal!
In just a few weeks we begin one of my favorite times of the entire year. I call it, "One week away from normal!" Most call it summer camp.
I grew up going to a Christian summer camp every year as a kid. It was such a fun time. It broke the cycle of normal in my life and gave me opportunities that I didn't have everyday at home. No TV, no access to a phone, no computer, no unhealthy friends, it was simply a time to get away, get with God and connect with other Christian friends and have fun.
Jesus practiced this type of activity all the time. As we read through the Gospels, we see that Jesus consistently broke away from the norm to pray and spend time with His Father. It was in those moments that Jesus was able to stay aligned with the Fathers will.
I'm afraid that today, many don't understand the importance or the power of one week of camp in the life of a student. Many parents and youth pastors working with our students today, did not themselves grow up attending a summer camp. Therefore, the lack of that experience keeps them from encouraging their students to go to camp.
There are many great camp stories of lives being changed and impacted by the power of God at camp. My life is one of them. However, one of my favorite stories is of contemporary Christian music recording icon Toby Mac. Toby tells his testimony of heading off to a church camp as a young teenager. On his way to camp, Toby convinced two of his other friends to accompany him, telling them it was a basketball camp.
It was however, far from a basketball camp. The first evening, the three young teens sat amongst the others as a minister preached the Word of God. During the message, one of Toby's friends leaned over and said to him, "Hey, I thought you said this was a basketball camp?"
As the week went on, Toby grew fond of his cabin counselor. One night mid-week, Toby got out of bed went over and began to speak with his counselor. During that conversation, Toby made a decision to follow Christ. That one week away from normal, gave Toby a chance to hear from God. Toby, has had a tremendous impact upon the Christian music industry, ministering to thousands of people every year.
One week away from normal. Will you give your students the opportunity to break away. It is my hope that every Christian parent, pastor and youth pastor, will give their students every opportunity to have an experience that just might change their lives forever.
I grew up going to a Christian summer camp every year as a kid. It was such a fun time. It broke the cycle of normal in my life and gave me opportunities that I didn't have everyday at home. No TV, no access to a phone, no computer, no unhealthy friends, it was simply a time to get away, get with God and connect with other Christian friends and have fun.
Jesus practiced this type of activity all the time. As we read through the Gospels, we see that Jesus consistently broke away from the norm to pray and spend time with His Father. It was in those moments that Jesus was able to stay aligned with the Fathers will.
I'm afraid that today, many don't understand the importance or the power of one week of camp in the life of a student. Many parents and youth pastors working with our students today, did not themselves grow up attending a summer camp. Therefore, the lack of that experience keeps them from encouraging their students to go to camp.
There are many great camp stories of lives being changed and impacted by the power of God at camp. My life is one of them. However, one of my favorite stories is of contemporary Christian music recording icon Toby Mac. Toby tells his testimony of heading off to a church camp as a young teenager. On his way to camp, Toby convinced two of his other friends to accompany him, telling them it was a basketball camp.
It was however, far from a basketball camp. The first evening, the three young teens sat amongst the others as a minister preached the Word of God. During the message, one of Toby's friends leaned over and said to him, "Hey, I thought you said this was a basketball camp?"
As the week went on, Toby grew fond of his cabin counselor. One night mid-week, Toby got out of bed went over and began to speak with his counselor. During that conversation, Toby made a decision to follow Christ. That one week away from normal, gave Toby a chance to hear from God. Toby, has had a tremendous impact upon the Christian music industry, ministering to thousands of people every year.
One week away from normal. Will you give your students the opportunity to break away. It is my hope that every Christian parent, pastor and youth pastor, will give their students every opportunity to have an experience that just might change their lives forever.
Monday, February 1, 2010
2 Corinthians 8:3 "For I can testify that they gave not only what they could afford but far more. And they did it of their own free will. 4 They begged us again and again for the gracious privilege of sharing in the gift for the Christians in Jerusalem. 5 Best of all, they went beyond our highest hopes, for their first action was to dedicate themselves to the Lord and to us for whatever directions God might give them."
Here we have a group of churches in Macedonia, who had been going through some very difficult times of their own. Yet, when they heard about the needs of Christians in Jerusalem, they went above and beyond to do what ever they could to give and help.
In a like manner, there is no doubt that the church has been affected over the economic recession that we are experiencing here in America. Yet, week after week Christians in America are called upon to give sacrificially and cheerfully. As a part of the church we give out of obedience and love, not necessarily out of abundance. We give because it is right.
Many Americans, Christian or not, recently stepped up to the plate and gave to help Haiti after the devastating earthquake that hit their country. As time goes on and time begins to take attention from Haiti to other things, the needs of Haiti are not going to go away. There is going to be a great need there for quite some time.
May we be challenged and encouraged by the example of the Church in Macedonia. They counted it "gracious blessings" to be able to give and begged for opportunity. In giving they went beyond their "highest hopes." They dedicated themselves to the Lord and the disciples, and followed whatever the Lord directed them to do.
May we be just as generous and intentional. May we be concerned and involved. May we give beyond our highest hopes. May we dedicate ourselves to the Lord and be careful to follow Him as He directs our steps!
Here we have a group of churches in Macedonia, who had been going through some very difficult times of their own. Yet, when they heard about the needs of Christians in Jerusalem, they went above and beyond to do what ever they could to give and help.
In a like manner, there is no doubt that the church has been affected over the economic recession that we are experiencing here in America. Yet, week after week Christians in America are called upon to give sacrificially and cheerfully. As a part of the church we give out of obedience and love, not necessarily out of abundance. We give because it is right.
Many Americans, Christian or not, recently stepped up to the plate and gave to help Haiti after the devastating earthquake that hit their country. As time goes on and time begins to take attention from Haiti to other things, the needs of Haiti are not going to go away. There is going to be a great need there for quite some time.
May we be challenged and encouraged by the example of the Church in Macedonia. They counted it "gracious blessings" to be able to give and begged for opportunity. In giving they went beyond their "highest hopes." They dedicated themselves to the Lord and the disciples, and followed whatever the Lord directed them to do.
May we be just as generous and intentional. May we be concerned and involved. May we give beyond our highest hopes. May we dedicate ourselves to the Lord and be careful to follow Him as He directs our steps!
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